Ingrown Toenail Removal Bankstown NSW
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is when a nail breaches the surrounding skin, and pierces the soft tissue of the toe. This usually occurs because of an incorrect toe cutting technique, tight shoes, abnormally curved toes, or from a previous toe injury.
If not carefully disinfected and bandaged, ingrown toenails can lead to infection and persistent pain and discomfort. This will then often necessitate medication and will likely result in the recurrence of an ingrown toenail.
Treatment For Ingrown Toenails
If this does happen, you can elect to have the Partial Nail Avulsion surgical procedure, which involves removing a larger segment of nail and cauterising the area to stop regrowth. This is carried out under local anaesthesia and is carefully administered by one of our experienced podiatrists at our clinics.
This surgery carries a nearly 100% success rate and regrowth is completely stopped in almost all cases. If another ingrown toenail does occur, there are further, more invasive procedures available that will stop the growth at the nail bed, but is extremely uncommon that these are necessary. The following is a basic step guide to the procedure.
- Informed consent is obtained
- Local anaesthetic is administered into the toe so procedure is pain free
- Tourniquet is used to reduce bleeding whilst performing procedure
- Ingrown section is removed and nail matrix is burnt with chemical acid technique under sterile conditions.
- Sterile dressing applied to toe and fixated with firm Tape to protect wound for infection and control post-operative swelling.
- Minimal pain experienced post operatively and pain management usually requires paracetamol.
- Patient returns for two dressing changes and inspection of wound.
- Healing takes 2-4 weeks.
At Bankstown Podiatry Clinic our experienced podiatrists have seen many cases of ingrown toenails and as such have become apt at their removal. Give us a call to book a consultation and see how we can get you back on your feet in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will An Ingrown Toenail Heal Itself?: You should not have to see a podiatrist about an ingrown toenail unless you have diabetes or the toe has become severely infected. With a bit of care, your ingrown toenail should heal itself at home (see below for the best way to treat ingrown toenails at home).
What Happens If You Leave Your Ingrown Toenail?: If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected and cause serious complications like foot ulcers, open sores and tissue decay. If you have diabetes and think you may have an ingrown toenail, see a Bankstown podiatrist as soon as possible.
What Is The Best Way To Treat An Ingrown Toenail?: The best way to treat an ingrown toenail at home is to soak your toe in warm salt water or warm water mixed with a capful of antiseptic solution for about 15 minutes. Dry your foot completely. Gently pull the skin away from the nail using a nail file and clip or file down the edge that is catching the skin if possible. You can also stuff tiny pieces of moist cotton between the ingrown toenail and the skin. Rub your toe with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection and wrap with a bandage or band aid. Repeat this process 1 to 2 times a day until there is no swelling, discomfort or signs of infection. If you have diabetes or the ingrown toenail becomes infected, you should book an appointment with a Bankstown podiatrist as soon as possible.
Can You Get Rid of Ingrown Toenails?: With proper care, you can simply and quickly get rid of ingrown toenails at home. However, if you have diabetes or the ingrown toenail is infected or recurrent, you should see a Bankstown podiatrist as soon as possible.